Groom Creek Loop Trail #307 • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Aug 31 2025
		adilling • Triplogs 402

Hiking	7.76 Miles	1,489 AEG

Hiking	7.76 Miles	4 Hrs 12 Mns	2.17 mph
	1,489 ft AEG	37 Mns Break

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I planned a trip up to Prescott to meet up with my oldest son, Matt. He's not a hiker, but sons #2 & #3 are and we all packed in the truck early and drove up to Groom Creek TH to hit this cool little loop.

My lovely wife, Lynne, opted out and we dropped her at the Gateway Mall in Prescott and off we went.

The weather was very nice as we started off towards Spruce Mountain.

We made a quick stop at the rocks near the trailhead and then started the slow and gradual climb up to the mountain. The trail is in excellent shape. We came across 4-5 groups of hikers and a couple of horses and riders as well.

The trail going up really didn't have a really challenging section, although there's a couple of steeper areas.

We made good time up to the top and stopped at the Fire Tower. It was "manned" by the very friendly Miss Vicki, who gave us a tour and explained how they triangulate fire sighting using different towers seeing the same smoke. Very old school, but also very accurate. I guess this particular tower is staffed for the fire season during the day.

We had a nice lunch break up below the tower and started back down. Our original plan was to do the proper loop, but a combination of lack of time and the sight of 4-5 OHVs and a motorcycle heading up the little ridge that would be our path led us to just go back down the same way we came up.

About a mile above the trailhead, 2 teenagers came roaring by on dirt bikes. I didn't think they allowed motorized vehicles on that part of the trail???

We made it back and picked up Lynne at the mall and then drove out to Skull Valley to pick up my son Matt. We ended up at Mark's Beergarden off Irons Springs and had some brews and burgers.

I was great way to spend the Labor Day weekend. Family, hiking, beer and much nicer weather than the hellish inferno that is the Valley of the Surface of the Sun.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Osborne Fire Finder

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"Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul."

instagram: @andydilling

Jul 24 2025

fricknaley

Guides 93
Routes 397
Photos 4,984
Triplogs 4,124

49 male

Joined Jun 20 2003
Tucson, AZ

Wolf Creek Loop Trail #384

Prescott, AZ

Run/Jog		Jul 24 2025
		fricknaley • Triplogs 4,124

Run/Jog	26.25 Miles	4,416 AEG

Run/Jog	26.25 Miles	7 Hrs 4 Mns		4.05 mph
	4,416 ft AEG	35 Mns Break	7 LBS Pack

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Did the loop and summit once each direction, stopping at my car between loops to refresh water. then ran down and did the wolf creek loop. Great day. Felt good. Hot hot towards the end otherwise the weather was good. did not see many people on groom creek and had wolf creek to myself. saw tons and tons of deer, in fact i raced one near the summit of spruce mountain...soundly defeated

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hi

Jul 22 2025

LindaAnn

Guides 110
Routes 2,246
Photos 8,982
Triplogs 2,600

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Jul 22 2025
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,600

Hiking	12.13 Miles	2,479 AEG

Hiking	12.13 Miles	5 Hrs 21 Mns	2.68 mph
	2,479 ft AEG	49 Mns Break

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The_Eagle

wallyfrack

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We followed a line of cars up Walker Rd and to the Isabella trailhead. They were bunched up, trying to figure out how/where to park, meanwhile, Bruce created a spot for himself. We jumped out of the car, anticipating having to get a fast start to get ahead of the large group of members of the Prescott Hiking Club (avg age—92, they were already electing Bruce as their new president), but they were luckily headed in the opposite direction.

Reasonable temps as we headed up Isabella Trail. The ascent is steady, but nothing crazy. We still whined. Upon reaching Groom Creek Trail, we opted to hike it counter-clockwise, and headed towards Spruce Mtn. Saw some deer. At the top, the woman on duty at the tower invited us up. We chatted with her for a few minutes, then headed over to the picnic tables for a quick snack.

Saw more deer as we headed downhill and west. Plus some hikers and ladies on mules. Looked around the boulders for a few minutes. After passing the Groom Creek trailhead, the ascent began again. Warmer temps were noticeable. Moments of shade from the clouds were much appreciated. Made another stop at the cabin. After that, the climb was steeper. Conversation and insults waned as we trudged uphill. We all breathed a sigh of relief as we reached Isabella again and began the much anticipated descent for our finish.

Solid weekday hike for some decent mileage. Good to hike with Bruce and Wally again!

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Humor

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

2 archives

Jul 22 2025

wallyfrack

Routes 93
Photos 7,758
Triplogs 1,691

64 male

Joined Mar 11 2003
AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Jul 22 2025
		wallyfrack • Triplogs 1,691

Hiking	12.13 Miles	2,479 AEG

Hiking	12.13 Miles	5 Hrs 21 Mns	2.68 mph
	2,479 ft AEG	49 Mns Break

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LindaAnn

The_Eagle

A weekday hike with Bruce & Linda. We almost didn't have a parking spot by Bruce made one. The hiking group at the trailhead went the other way so no crowding on the trail.

Trail 377 was a climb but in good condition. The temps were nice early and the off and on cloud cover kept it nice. We chose to hike counterclockwise on the loop and the climb kept going.

Trail 307 was in good shape as well. There are the occasional rocks or roots to step over but easy going. I enjoyed the downhill sections the most.

There were some deer out, some big rocks and some good views. The cabin was interesting and though we tried to extract, the arrows in the tree were stuck good. It was nice to get out on the rail with Bruce & Linda again.

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Jul 22 2025

The_Eagle

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,760

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Spruce Loop with Issy, AZ

Hiking		Jul 22 2025
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	12.52 Miles	2,394 AEG

Hiking	12.52 Miles	5 Hrs 20 Mns	2.76 mph
	2,394 ft AEG	48 Mns Break

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Isabella Loop

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LindaAnn

wallyfrack

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The drive in was interesting on the usually quiet Walker Road. On the dirt portion, we slowly began picking up more traffic, which we started following. We patiently waited for them to peel off into one of the many driveways, but that never happened. All four or five vehicles pulled into the Isabella Trailhead (TH), the same one we were going to. The trailhead was now at capacity and then some.

We scrambled to get going and start in front of them. Luckily for us, this group from the Prescott Hiking Club was heading over to hike Mt. Davis.

Isabella Trail #377
It was a glorious 64 degrees at the beginning of this hike. This is a pretty steep one to start, climbing 600 feet in 1.25 miles before terminating at the Groom Creek Loop. Deer and squirrels were the fauna theme of the day.

Groom Creek Loop Trail #307
Continuing counter-clockwise, we made our way over to the Spruce Mountain Fire Tower. We were invited up into the cab and had a conversation with the current lookout. Next up was the bouldering area. On the way, we passed more mule deer that let us pass within 10 feet with almost zero fear. The bouldering area is always an interesting maze to explore.

Next was the 4-mile, 1,100-foot climb to meet the Isabella Trail. We stopped for a short lunch at Cole's Cabin before continuing up to Isabella and the downhill return to the car. It was in the 60s and 70s all day, with scattered clouds and freshening breezes.

Good catching up with Linder and Walter!

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Mule Deer

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Granite Mountain

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

May 11 2025

astrobrewer

Guides 1
Routes 209
Photos 1,231
Triplogs 196

male

Joined Mar 14 2015
Phoenix, AZ

[ checklist ] Ashen milkvetch Common Mullein Parry's Agave Ponderosa Pine

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		May 11 2025
		astrobrewer • Triplogs 196

Hiking	9.51 Miles	1,955 AEG

Hiking	9.51 Miles	3 Hrs 34 Mns	2.87 mph
	1,955 ft AEG	15 Mns Break

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Last hike before the Grand Canyon. Decided on Groom Creek Loop because it's a favorite that I've done several times. Someone told me that the area has burned recently in a fire and I wanted to check that out too. I-17 northbound was closed in the morning so had to go via Wickenburg which delayed me a bit.

It was sunny and warm on the morning, but there was enough of a breeze to keep it from being too hot. I took the loop clockwise this time. I rested at the fire lookout and ate some trail mix. Then continued on with the loop. It became cloudier which kept the temperature down. I was a little worried that it might start raining, but luckily it didn't. The sun came out again by the time I got back to the trailhead.

Didn't see any deer this time. Lots of lizards. Only passed a few people on the trail. No water in any of the streams this time. Also no sign of any fire, which was a big relief. It would be very sad if the beautiful point forest were to burn.

Looking at the map made me wonder about the naming of this trail. Groom Creek isn't very far, but this trail that is named after it does not cross it even get a view of Groom Creek. Strange.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Dark-eyed Junco Ornate Tree Lizard

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Cadastral Survey Marker HAZ - Selfie

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout

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2 archives

Jan 11 2025

Whiffer

Guides 3
Routes 161
Photos 477
Triplogs 147

70 male

Joined Jan 02 2016
Prescott, AZ

Groom Creek Issabella, AZ

Hiking		Jan 11 2025
		Whiffer • Triplogs 147

Hiking	10.00 Miles	1,934 AEG

Hiking	10.00 Miles	5 Hrs 2 Mns	2.04 mph
	1,934 ft AEG	8 Mns Break

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Groom Creek Loop Trail #307 is a popular moderately strenuous, nearly 9-mile hike up to the Spruce Mountain Ranger Station and back down to the trailhead on Senator Highway, 7 miles south of the Yavapai County Courthouse in downtown Prescott, AZ. This hike is a little over a mile longer (for a total of 10 miles) and a bit more strenuous by taking Isabella Trail #377 from the ridge of Spruce Mountain down to Walker Road, for an extra 650 feet of elevation gain on the way back. The title of this hike uses the spelling "Issabella" on the sign at the turnaround at Walker Road.

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4 archives

May 19 2024

mikemcg

Guides 2
Routes 127
Photos 1,478
Triplogs 129

male

Joined May 07 2019
Tempe, AZ

[ checklist ] Spruce Mountain Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		May 19 2024
		mikemcg • Triplogs 129

Hiking	9.82 Miles	1,621 AEG

Hiking	9.82 Miles	4 Hrs 32 Mns	2.55 mph
	1,621 ft AEG	41 Mns Break

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Third time to Spruce Mountain. Started around 1030. There were 8 vehicles at the trailhead. We went counterclockwise. Weather was beautiful - upper 70s, sunny, clear sky, constant breeze. The forest smelled great. We saw 2 deer early on. They loped away from the trail, and watched us for a minute from a ridge as we took pictures, then they wandered off. There were hundreds of squirrels and even more birds, but no bears this time. A lot of bluejays, but we couldn't get a decent pic. We spent 30-40 minutes at the peak, eating and enjoying the views. The fire lookout graciously allowed us into the tower, gave us a tour, showed us how to use the Fire Finder, showed us how to communicate with dispatch, gave us a brief history of the tower (built in 1936!), and provided details about the ongoing Wildcat Fire. The last 3 miles back to the trailhead went by pretty quickly.

We saw at least 30 people along the loop (including 2 groups of 10), about 15 dogs, 1 horse, and a lot of horse poop. Overall a very nice day in the woods.

Fauna

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[ checklist ] Mule Deer

Named place

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Wildflowers Observation Isolated

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Sep 30 2023

ShatteredArm

Guides 12
Routes 192
Photos 863
Triplogs 356

42 male

Joined Nov 30 2015
Phoenix, AZ

Saddles 50, AZ

Run/Jog		Sep 30 2023
		ShatteredArm • Triplogs 356

Run/Jog	48.00 Miles	6,644 AEG

Run/Jog	48.00 Miles	14 Hrs 24 Mns	3.50 mph
	6,644 ft AEG	42 Mns Break

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Goldwater Loop Trail

Goldwater Lakes Trail #396

Banning Creek Trail #81 - Prescott NF

Horse Camp Loop - Trail #383

Apple Blossom Trail #373

Smith Ravine Trail #297

Homestead Trail #305

Ranch Trail #62

Badger Mountain Trail

Sundog Trail

Peavine National Recreation Trail

Lakeshore Trail - Watson Lake

Over The Hill Trail

Northshore Trail - Watson Lake

Willow Lake Loop Trail

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Was signed up for the 100. But due to an injury that prevented me from doing much on Labor Day weekend, I figured I'm probably in no condition to attempt that, so the primary goal was 50.

Started out early in Downtown Prescott, and basically followed 89 2.5 miles to the trail. Pleasant temps in the morning, nothing remarkable as I made my way up to Groom Creek trail 10 miles in. By then it was light out, and it was nice and cool for the climb up Spruce and down Smith Ravine.

On Homestead, it started warming up, and I realized I had basically no energy. I'll chalk that up to a quick turnaround from flying back across the country on Thursday evening... Didn't want to be struggling just 20 miles in, but you can't have it all. At least the breeze tempered the sun a little.

Ranch trail was where the misery really started. I expected the climb, having been on that trail a couple times, but I absolutely hated Badger Mountain Trail. Long, windy, exposed, with the type of switchbacks that were probably designed to ensure mountain bikers don't have to put in any effort at all. 11 miles to do what's probably a 3-4 mile drive... Hopefully I never have to see Badger Mountain Trail ever again.

Things improved a little on Sundog Trail, which I actually liked better than BM. Then Peavine, which is just...flat. By the time I got to the dells, it was 5pm, and I figured the sun would be down before I got to 50. The north side of Watson Lake was actually a lot of fun, and I liked trying to move through there as fast as possible. Probably the only part of the day that was legitimately enjoyable.

One of my friends was waiting for me at the Watson Boat Ramp with a beer, which was a nice surprise.

By the time I got to Willow, it was getting dark, and I had to use a light most of the way through there. There were also thunderstorms moving in, which was fun (they didn't get to Willow, but I heard it got a little crazy closer to Granite Mountain). I really don't recommend going through the dells in the dark, it definitely upped the difficulty a level or two.

After that section, I decided to make it official and not go for what would've probably been a last place finish. I'm starting to come around to one of my friends' views that 50 miles is a superior distance to 100.

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Jun 24 2023

DixieFlyer

Guides 99
Routes 1,484
Photos 16,072
Triplogs 1,374

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Isabella - Groom Creek Loop, AZ

Hiking		Jun 24 2023
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,374

Hiking	12.41 Miles	2,290 AEG

Hiking	12.41 Miles	5 Hrs 10 Mns	2.65 mph
	2,290 ft AEG	29 Mns Break

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It has been a while since I have hiked on the Isabella Trail, so I borrowed this hike idea from ahike that @LindaAnn, @trekkin_gecko , and #The_Eagle did recently.

Starting at the Isabella TH, this was a CCW lasso loop hike.

We climbed up on the lookout tower once we got atop Spruce Mountain. It is too bad that the tower is inactive at this time.

On the way back we stopped off at Cole Cabin and hung out for a few minutes.

It was a busy Saturday on the trails, as I saw far more people than I normally see on a hike.

This is a nice hike to do in the summertime -- there are lots of trees along the trail to filter the sun and provide some shade. I need to do this hike a little more often!

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
There are some New Mexico locust blooming, and we also saw several claret cup cactus blooming.

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Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

2 archives

May 18 2023

LindaAnn

Guides 110
Routes 2,246
Photos 8,982
Triplogs 2,600

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		May 18 2023
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,600

Hiking	11.91 Miles	2,322 AEG

Hiking	11.91 Miles	4 Hrs 31 Mns	2.82 mph
	2,322 ft AEG	18 Mns Break

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The_Eagle

trekkin_gecko

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Kelly, Bruce, and I got to the Isabella trailhead shortly before 0830. Bruce spent a few minutes getting his pack perfectly balanced, and then we headed up Isabella Trail. Excellent condition, with a moderate incline. Plenty of trees for shade. Very pleasant.

At the loop, Bruce suggested we go counter-clockwise to get the high point out of the way first, which was a good call given the chance of storms. Lots of forest clearing has taken place, and again, the trail is in good shape. Nice views as we made our way up the ridge. Great views from the Spruce Mtn Lookout. Had a quick snack at the picnic tables, then Kelly led the way downhill. Saw our first hikers of the day as we headed down the trail.

Near the bottom, we looked around the bouldering area, which was fun. After that, quick stop at the Groom Creek trailhead before we started back uphill. Trail is in excellent shape, easy incline, lots of shade, and some water. Saw two bikes, but no hikers. Looked at Cole’s Cabin, which was a recommendation from @losdosslofolks Cute cabin, especially if you’re a midget. Continued uphill as the clouds thickened and there were a few rumbles of thunder, a few were fairly close. Each time it thundered, Kelly sped up the pace.

Once back to Isabella Trail, it was a breeze downhill. Finished up just a moment before it started raining. Saw lots of squirrels in the first half of the hike, one deer leg, one horned lizard. Perfect day, and perfect timing on this one. Good to see both Bruce and Kelly again!

*Getting into the parking area for Isabella has a steep & deep rut. I did not approach with enough momentum, and used 4wd to get through that 15’ section. Otherwise, no issues on the road.

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Stop crying and just go do the hike.

May 18 2023

trekkin_gecko

Guides 10
Routes 673
Photos 7,281
Triplogs 4,660

67 female

Joined Nov 17 2008
phoenix, az

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		May 18 2023
		trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,660

Hiking	11.79 Miles	2,259 AEG

Hiking	11.79 Miles	4 Hrs 29 Mns	2.79 mph
	2,259 ft AEG	15 Mns Break

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LindaAnn

The_Eagle

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got an invite from bruce and linda to hike the groom creek loop
after rearranging my schedule, i was in
haven't done this one in nine years
we started from isabella around 0825 - a new approach for me
nice uphill right from the start, then joining the groom creek loop
pleasant temps, great trail conditions
we checked out the spruce mountain lookout area for a few minutes
continued down the loop counterclockwise
wandered around the bouldering area and then made a quick stop at the trailhead
moderate grade back uphill, with another stop to view cole's cabin, which i had not seen before
clouds were building and we got a few rumbles of thunder
hit the ridgeline and finished up on isabella just as it started raining
looked like a pretty good storm hit that area later
enjoyed hiking the loop again - i've done it several times but only once on haz
i also enjoyed eating all the snacks i brought on the drive back to the valley

good to hike with linda and bruce again and a beautiful day for it

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Claret Cup Cactus

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hazhole

May 18 2023

The_Eagle

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,760

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		May 18 2023
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	12.84 Miles	2,226 AEG

Hiking	12.84 Miles	4 Hrs 29 Mns	3.06 mph
	2,226 ft AEG	17 Mns Break

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LindaAnn

trekkin_gecko

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I got an invite from Linda to do this old favorite, all on trail, hike.

A perfect 50's to start with a minimal 20% chance of T-Storms. After changing around her nail and hair appointments, and with that lower percentage of electricity in the sky forecasted, Kelly was a go also.

Isabella gets your heart pumping right from the start. Nothing too crazy, but a steady 1+ mile climb to the loop. The squirrels were frolicking among the nubile growth on the mighty oaks.

Off to the now unmanned tower on the top of Spruce Mountain. Gone are the days of visiting with Suzie and Space up there. We took in the 180 views to the north and retreated to the picnic tables for a snack.

Descendeding to the rock climbing area passing our first hikers of the day. We played around the rock area before starting our way back up the mountain on our loop.

We made a stop at Cole's Cabin, which I'd passed by countless times before, not knowing it was there.

The skies started crackling. Linda checked the radar and assured Kelly that the current buildup was SE of us and moving away. With each successive crackle, Kelly increased the gap between us.

Descending Issy and reaching Linda's truck the sprinkles began. Temps in the 60's now, it ended up a perfect day.

Good times hiking with the ladies!

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

May 13 2023

astrobrewer

Guides 1
Routes 209
Photos 1,231
Triplogs 196

male

Joined Mar 14 2015
Phoenix, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		May 13 2023
		astrobrewer • Triplogs 196

Hiking	9.77 Miles	1,674 AEG

Hiking	9.77 Miles	3 Hrs 58 Mns	2.58 mph
	1,674 ft AEG	11 Mns Break

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I just did this trail two weeks ago, but Phoenix is in triple digits and I like this trail a lot. Plus one of our crew wasn't able to go with us two weeks ago and had never done this trail. So what the heck we're doing it again. It was a sunny day but when we got to the trailhead there were a few little clouds overhead. Temperature at the trailhead was a pleasant 70 degrees, and the scattered clouds provided some shade from the sun making for perfect hiking weather.

We took the loop counterclockwise (again). Didn't see any deer this time. There were a few pretty yellow birds, but they didn't stay still long enough for me to get any pictures. We visited Cole's cabin and continued on up towards Spruce Ridge. On the way up there was a fairly loud thunder crack. We discussed whether we should turn around, but there was still blue sky between clouds and it we only heard thunder one time. So onward and upward we go. As we get close to the ridge we feel occasional drops every minute or so. None of us have rain gear, but we're feeling warm as we're hiking up the hill.

We pick up the pace as the raindrops start coming more frequently. The ground was getting spotted with raindrops, but luckily it wasn't any more than that and we didn't get too wet. Some of the drops hitting the ground were little frozen hail or sleet, but they melted as soon as they hit the dirt. At this point we're about half way through the 9 mile loop and it's just as far back to the car either way, so we continue on. Then a very cold wind started blowing hard and with the rain dripping on us it was freezing cold. The last mile or so along the ridge to the lookout was very cold and windy, and we picked up the pace. But surprisingly when we reached the picnic tables near the lookout there was no wind and it was much more pleasant. We went to the base of the lookout tower and checked out the view. Found a Yavapai County geodetic marker behind the tower and took a picture.

The rest of the hike back down from Spruce Mountain to the trailhead was very pleasant with no wind or rain. It was warm and sunny back at the trailhead. Although we didn't see any deer along the trail this time which was a little disappointing. Of course as soon as we started driving back from the trailhead we saw a bunch of them just off the side of the road.

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1 archive

Apr 29 2023

astrobrewer

Guides 1
Routes 209
Photos 1,231
Triplogs 196

male

Joined Mar 14 2015
Phoenix, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Apr 29 2023
		astrobrewer • Triplogs 196

Hiking	9.77 Miles	1,774 AEG

Hiking	9.77 Miles	4 Hrs 53 Mns	2.40 mph
	1,774 ft AEG	49 Mns Break

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Getting too hot in Phoenix so headed up to cooler climate in Prescott for hiking. I had done this trail before and knew that it is really nice. This time decided to take the loop counter-clockwise. It seems that just about everyone else was going clockwise (like I did my first time), but the other way avoids the steeper climb at the end. Saw a family of deer just minutes after starting but wasn't fast enough with the camera. The streams that crossed the trail in several places were running which wasn't the case last time.

One of my goals this time out was to find Cole's cabin. I read the trail description and triplogs and had a general idea of where to find it. Turned out to be easy to find when you look for it. Goal accomplished.

Along the way up to Spruce Ridge there is a path that has been bulldozed that parallels the trail that wasn't there a couple years ago. I am guessing that this was likely done to provide better access for the crews clearing/piling dead wood. This time there were few dead trees standing unlike last time, and the forest looked much healthier although sparse in places. But there was enough shade along the way to keep it pleasant and cool.

Saw more deer along Spruce Ridge and managed to get a couple of pictures. The best part of taking the loop CCW was getting to the fire lookout rested and not out of breath. Stopped at the picnic tables and ate lunch, then walked up to the lookout tower to take pictures before heading down.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Acorn Woodpecker Mule Deer

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] San Francisco Peaks Natural Area

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Apr 15 2023

emilystardust

Routes 386
Photos 49
Triplogs 792

43 female

Joined Jun 23 2015
Phoenix, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Apr 15 2023
		emilystardust • Triplogs 792

Hiking	9.35 Miles	1,619 AEG

Hiking	9.35 Miles	3 Hrs 49 Mns	2.78 mph
	1,619 ft AEG	27 Mns Break

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Jan 15 2023

mikemcg

Guides 2
Routes 127
Photos 1,478
Triplogs 129

male

Joined May 07 2019
Tempe, AZ

Spruce Mountain Snow Hike, AZ

Hiking		Jan 15 2023
		mikemcg • Triplogs 129

Hiking	7.87 Miles	1,441 AEG

Hiking	7.87 Miles	5 Hrs 47 Mns	1.72 mph
	1,441 ft AEG	1 Hour 13 Mns Break

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First snow hike of 2023! The original plan was to do the full Groom Creek Loop. It was about 31°F when we started at 1pm. We went clockwise. The snow was about 2 inches deep for the first mile. There were numerous human and dog footprints for the first half mile, then none beyond that. The trail was easy to follow despite being covered in snow.

The snow depth averaged about 4 inches deep between mile 1 and 2. The views were beautiful the entire way, despite the overcast sky and thick fog. There were numerous deer tracks crossing the trail, occasional rabbit and bird tracks, as well as one bear track.

After mile 2, the snow depth increased further, eventually reaching 18 inches, as we neared the peak. Surprisingly, the snow was only about 1 inch deep at the peak. The wind was fierce at the summit. The views were incredible from the peak. The tower was locked. We took a long break at the peak, then decided to head back the way we came.

The sun set as we headed back, but we couldn't see it due to the thick cloud cover. As we approached the trailhead, we heard a pack of coyotes howling and yipping in the distance. Three deer passed approximately 20 yards from us, and one stopped to pose for a few pictures. We reached the trailhead and drove to Prescott for dinner.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout

5 archives

Dec 29 2022

PrestonSands

Guides 170
Routes 148
Photos 5,914
Triplogs 2,097

48 male

Joined Apr 12 2004
Tucson, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Dec 29 2022
		PrestonSands • Triplogs 2,097

Hiking	6.30 Miles	1,430 AEG

Hiking	6.30 Miles	2 Hrs 8 Mns	2.95 mph
	1,430 ft AEG

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Last day of my Prescott trip to visit family, so I headed to Groom Creek for a nearby snow hike. Two cars at the trailhead, but no other hikers encountered on this overcast, windy, mid-30s day, with ragged storm clouds cruising low overhead. I took the shorter leg of the loop toward Spruce Mountain summit and started in patchy snow. Snow gradually got deeper as I ascended, reaching 6 or more inches at Spruce Mountain summit. Absolutely beautiful on the upper slopes, with trees caked in fresh snow and ice-encrusted oak branches. Great and memorable hike! Took the long way home to Tucson through Yarnell to avoid 1-17 debacles.

_____________________

"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan

1 archive

Dec 27 2022

PrestonSands

Guides 170
Routes 148
Photos 5,914
Triplogs 2,097

48 male

Joined Apr 12 2004
Tucson, AZ

Prescott, AZ

Hiking		Dec 27 2022
		PrestonSands • Triplogs 2,097

Hiking	6.80 Miles	1,240 AEG

Hiking	6.80 Miles
	1,240 ft AEG

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Parked at the Isabella Trailhead near Potato Patch after a snowy/muddy drive in from Walker. Isabella Trail was in great shape, and made for a pleasant ascent of the south ridge of Spruce Mountain. Overcast, cold and windy on my hike, with lingering patches of snow higher up. From the end of Isabella, I continued on Groom Creek Loop along the ridge crest to the summit of Spruce Mountain. Lots of recent thinning work along the crest by the Forest Service, with evidence of logging vehicle traffic. I only saw one other hiker the whole day, near the summit. I explored an abandoned mine site on the way back down, with an interesting octagon cage built over top of a vertical mine shaft. Fun hike. Took a while to de-mud my truck’s wheel wells and undercarriage at a car wash.

_____________________

"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan

Nov 19 2022

dhelder

Triplogs 71

male

Joined Jan 23 2025
Seattle, WA